About Kialagvik
Kialagvik is a stratovolcano rising to 1,677 meters (5,502 feet) in United States's North America Volcanic Regions. No historical eruptions have been recorded, though the volcano is classified based on geological evidence of past activity.
Geography & Climate
Kialagvik is located in United States, within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc of the broader North America Volcanic Regions. Situated at 57.20° N, 156.75° W in the Northern Hemisphere, the volcano lies within a subarctic climate zone. With a summit elevation of 1,677 meters above sea level, Kialagvik is a moderately sized peak that remains accessible to hikers and researchers for much of the year. The volcanic landform is characterized as a composite, which describes the physical shape and structure of the volcanic edifice as observed from the surface.
Geological Context
Kialagvik sits in a subduction zone, where one tectonic plate dives beneath another, creating intense heat and pressure that generates magma. Subduction zones are responsible for many of the world's most explosive volcanoes and deadliest eruptions. For communities in United States near Kialagvik, this tectonic setting means the volcano is capable of producing powerful explosive eruptions, pyroclastic flows, and lahars that can threaten populated areas within tens of kilometers of the summit. The dominant rock type is andesite / basaltic andesite, a dark, fine-grained volcanic rock that forms from rapidly cooling, low-viscosity lava. Basaltic eruptions tend to be less explosive and produce fluid lava flows that can travel long distances. While less immediately dangerous than explosive eruptions, basaltic lava flows can destroy structures and infrastructure in their path, and volcanic gases released during these eruptions can affect air quality over a wide area.
GVP Reference Summary
Kialagvik is a small, poorly known glacier-mantled stratovolcano NE of Chiginagak volcano with a Holocene central lava dome and associated pyroclastic-flow deposits (Riehle, in Wood and Kienle 1990). The central dome rises 350 m above an ice field that mantles the upper part of the volcano. Andesitic lava flows and overlying dacitic block-and-ash-flow deposits are exposed broadly on the SW flank and in a small area on the NE flank. No historical activity is known.
— Smithsonian Institution, Global Volcanism Program
0 Recorded Eruptions
No eruption records available for Kialagvik.
Real-Time Data
USGS Alert Level
Thermal Anomalies
Frequently Asked Questions About Kialagvik
Is Kialagvik an active volcano?+
Kialagvik is classified as active based on credible evidence of past eruptions. Although its last known eruption was in prehistoric times, volcanologists consider it capable of erupting again.
How high is Kialagvik?+
Kialagvik has a summit elevation of 1,677 meters (5,502 feet) above sea level. At 1,677 meters, it is a moderately sized volcanic peak, roughly comparable to Mount Vesuvius (1,281m).
What type of volcano is Kialagvik?+
Kialagvik is classified as a Stratovolcano. Stratovolcanoes (also called composite volcanoes) are steep, conical volcanoes built up by many layers of hardened lava, tephra, and volcanic ash. They are among the most common and dangerous types, known for explosive eruptions.
Where is Kialagvik located?+
Kialagvik is located in United States, in the North America Volcanic Regions. More specifically, it lies within the Alaska Peninsula Volcanic Arc. Its exact coordinates are 57.203° latitude, -156.745° longitude.
Is it safe to visit Kialagvik?+
Kialagvik can generally be visited, but as with any volcano, visitors should check local conditions and any advisory notices before traveling. United States may have specific regulations for accessing volcanic areas. Guided tours are often the safest and most informative way to experience a volcano.
